To provide an empowering system of products which facilitate meaningful connections between non-profit organizations, the public, and communities in need
To mobilize good through community vending
Provide community access points for people to obtain resources (e.g. water, food, clothing, hygienic amenities) beyond an NPO's hours of operation. Intended for sheltered homeless or transitionally housed populations.
An extension of the vending machines, reaches “street level” or chronically homeless populations by distributing items along a strategic route throughout the week; making resources mobile for people with limited mobility.
Supported by private donations, corporate collections & drives, and partnerships with organizations like Bombas or Carhartt. MOVE alleviates NGO facilities with limited space by providing a distribution method for collected donations.
Vending machine access or “credits” are earned through interactions with the NPO (clinics, counseling, etc.); thereby incentivizing a relationship to lead to holistic, sustainable care
Goods are traditionally given out by hand with simple tallies manually recorded. Integrated management software provides NGOs access to more data about community needs and a way to measure their impact.
Having an expanded physical presence in the community brings greater awareness to issues relating to homelessness as well as opportunities to engage the general public.
Courtesy of Salvation Army Team
We determined credits and access cards were too restrictive, especially for potentially critical scenarios at the transit center. We desired to serve people who may have nowhere left to turn (e.g. a single mother arriving from out of town after escaping with her child from an abusive partner) and requiring prior contact didn't serve these emergency needs.
I proposed an integrated video chat feature to enable representatives to vet each situation individually. After assessing the need, the rep can remotely vend appropriate items, print information for the user, or send out help if needed. Most valuably, the feature enables a human connection for the user in times of personal crisis.
Source: Kathleen Galligan https://www.freep.com/
Outdoor installation came with added security concerns. Whereas traditional machines allow customers to peer through a glass window to view their options, we wanted to minimize the risk of vandalism or dishonesty to acquire what's inside.
We replaced this window with a large digital display panel; not only concealing stocked items but also providing NGOs a space to flexibly advertise services, share resources, and inform the public of ways to get involved.
After rounds of team brainstorming, I suggested the name MOVE; encapsulating the theme of Mobile Vending and reflecting Ford's position as a leader in mobility.
Since 1903, the company has created innovative products that move people from where they are to where they want to be. Ford MOVE continues in this storied tradition as a facilitator for social mobility.
As Ford's project lead (and only member with creative software), I took responsibility for developing branding elements. Early drafts served as simple visual aids to spark discussion, generate ideas, and provide a direction during the conceptual phase.
Logo Exploration | Adobe Illustrator
MOVE Transit: Street Side View - Team Visualization Aid | Adobe Photoshop
MOVE Transit: Rear Quarter View - Team Visualization Aid | Adobe Photoshop
MOVE Vending Machine - Team Visualization Aid | Adobe Illustrator + Adobe Photoshop
Covid-19 disrupted many plans and this project was no exception. Lockdown mandates, plant shutdowns, and staffing cuts impacted our direct supply chain; delaying vehicle procurement and fabrication. Furthermore, Salvation Army rightfully focused its efforts on tackling the surging needs in vulnerable communities.
The time away brought discouragement and loss of direction once all parties were able to reconvene. Anticipating this, I began refining the brand and vehicle design to reinvigorate the team. Though we laid out all specifications, I knew some people needed to see something to make it feel real. My process inspired two new features:
Source: https://i.imgur.com/BjfLONj.jpg
Ford Vandemonium 2018 | Source: www.trucktrend.com
Ford MOVE: Salvation Army Mobile Vending Unit Final Designs
Affinity Designer + Affinity Photo
Leading this initiative has been a fulfilling experience and I am immensely proud of the work my team and I have done despite challenging circumstances. I am grateful for the opportunity to bring this innovative service model to life with The Salvation Army and Ford.
Rather than relegate these types of efforts to side projects, I seek to shift my career towards a more impact-driven focus; dedicating my time to harness technology through design in service to others. In this and future endeavors, I look forward to inspiring community partners, sparking meaningful connections, and empowering people throughout society.
